Hello,
i was hoping some of you out there could share your impressions and recommendations for some diy single ended triode projects (i am and have been using only solid state up to this point, but now have 96db efficient speakers, so i figure its time to try this route) . preferable not kits, but if you have run across a particularily outstanding (and hopefully not too expensive) kit, i'd be all ears to that as well. thanks.

funny that you mention that as i was just about to add the postscript that solid state diy has left me somewhat miserly (i don't fancy for instance spending $4-500 on a pair of 300b's alone). so. . . actually any simple tube designs that anyone out there feels are a good introduction to the world of valves would be appreciated. (simple not only for ease of construction, but i still very much prefer the least amount of parts in the signal path) thanks.

A pair of matched Sovtek 2A3 from triodeelectronics will set you back $64.90

The Sovtek happen to be some of the best sounding as well...

The JE labs 2a3 is appertenly good sounding. Think it is a lot like the Sun Audio 2a3. Then there are ofcourse the kits from Welborne ...the DRD kits that are getting rave reviews..or at least a lot of happy owners...

Originally posted by jesserparker i was hoping some of you out there could share your impressions and recommendations for some diy single ended triode projects

Well, looking at the other stuff further down, I'd recommend a 2A3/45 Amp. If yu carefully select the Mains transformer you could also later convert to 300B's.

I'd recommend (purely on other peoples comments at this time, but people who have compared) the James 6123-HS Output transformer as an affordable choice that can be used with 45, 2A3 & 300B Outputs.

If you use a Mainstransformer with 380V + 380V AC and at least 200mA DC plus several Heater windings (James should have one that matches the Outputs) plus a nice Filter Choke you would have the basics to make an RC/LC coupled 300B Stereo Amplifier or a DC coupled 2A3/45 Amplifier.

Start using the sovtek 2A3 (which is not much more expensive than most decent Pentodes/Tetrodes), Sovtek 5U4 or the like and russian 6S45PE or 6S4PE or WE417A/5842 or 6Z9P/6688/E180F triode connected as drivers in a DC coupled Circuit like that I recommended to Arnold Cruz on Audioasylum.com a while back and you will have an excellent little Amp.

The Sovtek 2A3 will actually work as "pseudo 45" with a 5K load and will work VERY WELL under these conditions (and last to the next Iceage BTW) or you can change two resistors (the 5k1 to 3k1 and the 43R to around 27R) to acommodate the 2A3 with 60mA current and a 2k5 Load.

In fact, if you wanted to, you could make the Amp fully switchable, simply switch 8k2 in parallel with the 5k1 and switch the output transformer tap, then adjust the resistor marked 43 Ohm (which should be adjustable anyway) to establish the correct bias.

To use a 300B simply change the Amp to RC/LC coupled, self bias 1k cathode resistor and 3k5 or 5k load from the Output transformer with the 68uF & 22uF caps retained as is, suitable +B dropper for the Driver Valve and cathode RC combo.

Anyway, I hope this points you along a possible route to get something to have fun with for a long time.

I have been trying to build a good sounding single ended triode amp for a while, and have come to the conclusion that you need to drive it with something really grunty. Also a good power supply with a choke sounds better.

I have found they are all too distorted except the cathode follower... It sounds a bit too "clean" and "dry" but it has details, slamming bass and a good amount of power. I found the other configurations were syrupy- great with vocals but a distinctive SET sound I wasn't too keen on.

Based on advice from members on this forum, I changed the driver for my 2A3 from a 6SL7 SRPP (Angela) to a CCS loaded ECC99 running at 20mA. I think it made a pretty significant improvement to the sound.